Mental evaluation ordered for Ole Miss murder suspect

A mental evaluation has been ordered for Brandon Theesfeld, the man charged with murder in the death of Ole Miss student Ally Kostial.

At a hearing in Oxford this morning, Theesfeld’s attorneys dropped their request for bond for him and asked that he undergo a psychological evaluation.

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The judge asked lawyers to work out the terms of an order for an evaluation. Theesfeld’s attorney says he expected to enter a plea of not guilty at a later hearing.

District Attorney Ben Creekmore says there is still more to be done on the case. “This investigation, as far as I’m concerned, is still ongoing. It’s not completed. Hopefully we will have enough to go ahead and present it to the grand jury next week.”

Police found Kostial’s body about 30 miles from campus in July. Investigators say she’d been shot several times.

After the hearing, Kostial’s cousin read a statement on behalf of her family, thanking law enforcement and others for their work on the case.

“Ally’s family is deeply grateful for the prudent work accomplished by the Memphis police, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Lafayette County Coroner’s Office, the Ole Miss community and the many others who worked tirelessly over the past two weeks on this case. Our hearts go out to all of those touched by Ally’s positive spirit and passion for life who are now feeling sorrow. We pray for strength in the coming days and are thankful for the friends, neighbors, co-workers and many others who have supported us. Thank you.”